Memrise vs Anki: Which is Better?
Both Memrise and Anki are powerful tools for language learning, but they cater to different needs:
- Memrise is a gamified language-learning app with pre-made courses, native speaker videos, and an intuitive interface.
- Anki is a customizable flashcard-based app that uses spaced repetition but requires manual setup.
Let’s compare them in detail.
1. Overview: Memrise vs. Anki
| Feature | Memrise | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Learning vocabulary & real-world conversation | Memorizing words, facts, or concepts |
| Languages Offered | 23 (pre-made courses) | Any (user-created decks) |
| Lesson Style | Pre-made courses with video clips | Flashcards (custom or downloadable) |
| Speaking Practice | Yes (native speaker videos) | No |
| Grammar Explanations | Minimal | No |
| Writing Practice | Minimal | No |
| Customization | Low (fixed courses) | High (fully customizable) |
| Spaced Repetition (SRS) | Yes, but less advanced | Yes (highly efficient) |
| Offline Learning | Yes (Premium) | Yes (Free) |
| Pricing | Free & Premium | Free (except Anki iOS) |
2. Key Differences Between Memrise & Anki
A. Teaching Approach
| Aspect | Memrise | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson Structure | Pre-made vocabulary & phrase courses | Flashcards only |
| Grammar Focus | Minimal | None |
| Speaking Practice | Yes (video-based) | No |
| Writing Practice | Minimal | No |
- Memrise offers structured courses with native speaker videos and gamified exercises.
- Anki is purely a flashcard app that requires users to create or download their own decks.
✅ Winner: Memrise (for guided learning), Anki (for pure memorization).
B. Spaced Repetition & Memory Retention
| Feature | Memrise | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Spaced Repetition (SRS) | Yes, but less optimized | Yes, highly customizable |
| Custom Learning Schedules | No | Yes |
| Memory Retention | Good | Excellent |
- Anki has a more advanced SRS algorithm, allowing users to customize review frequency based on their retention.
- Memrise uses spaced repetition, but it doesn’t allow customization.
✅ Winner: Anki (more efficient memory retention).
C. Customization & Flexibility
| Feature | Memrise | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Made Courses | Yes | No |
| Custom Flashcards | No | Yes |
| Audio & Images | Yes | Yes |
| Example Sentences | Limited | Yes (if added manually) |
- Anki allows full customization, letting users add text, images, audio, and videos to flashcards.
- Memrise only offers pre-made courses, limiting customization.
✅ Winner: Anki (more flexibility).
D. Ease of Use & Learning Curve
| Factor | Memrise | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Steep learning curve |
| Setup Required | No setup, ready to use | Requires manual deck creation or downloads |
- Memrise is beginner-friendly, offering structured courses with no setup required.
- Anki requires users to create or download decks, which can be overwhelming for new learners.
✅ Winner: Memrise (for beginners), Anki (for advanced learners).
E. Free vs. Paid Features
| Feature | Memrise Free | Anki Free |
|---|---|---|
| Lessons | Limited | Unlimited (if you make your own) |
| Spaced Repetition | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Flashcards | No | Yes |
| Offline Mode | No | Yes |
| Ads? | No | No |
Premium Versions:
- Memrise Pro: $8.49/month (offline access, more practice modes).
- Anki iOS: $24.99 one-time fee (free on Android & desktop).
✅ Winner: Anki (more free features, except iOS version).
3. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
| If you want… | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Pre-made vocabulary & speaking courses | ✅ Memrise |
| Customizable flashcards & memory optimization | ✅ Anki |
| Beginner-friendly interface | ✅ Memrise |
| Advanced spaced repetition system (SRS) | ✅ Anki |
| Offline access for free | ✅ Anki |
| Best free version | ✅ Anki |
🏆 Overall Winner?
- For guided language learning & speaking practice → Memrise
- For advanced memorization & self-study → Anki
Would you like recommendations based on your specific learning goals? 🚀